31 October 2011

This could be anywhere on the Cote d'Azur - soft yellow walls, green shutters, deep shadows and blue skies but in fact I took it from inside Our Lady of Laghet. The yellow building is where people stay if they take a 'retreat' here.

30 October 2011

A few final images taken within this beautiful and peaceful sanctuary.

In 1653, a commissionof theologians, a doctor and a lawyer convened and confirmed the authenticity ofthe miraclesand so the bishopallowed and encouragedthe cultof Our Lady ofLaghet.April 25, 1654 saw the thefirstofficial pilgrimage by the White Penitents from EzetoLaghet. Since then there are pilgrimages every year, including one from my own village of Gorbio.

It's also possible to take a retreat at Our Lady of Laghet - take a look at the website for more information.

29 October 2011

The intention was to show (in the main photo) the interior of the chapel but it's not a good photo. I'd grabbed a shot quickly with my small camera, no tripod, as I didn't want to intrude on the worshippers. No matter, it's shown on the left so you can get an idea of the colours and beauty of this place.

The main photo shows a model of the sanctuary - the chapel is in the centre of it. If you don't speak French, this is a request for donations towards an organ - the intention being to replace the old organ with a mechanical one.

28 October 2011

Many of the paintings give thanks for those who made it after an accident - for instance this little boy from Menton who was run over by a bus in 1921.

Others give thanks for sons and husbands saved in the Great War - see the hand-made sampler on the left. It's easy to imagine the lady who made this, giving thanks for the safe return of her husband and his four brothers.

And then, there is the girl who gives thanks for passing her exam at school. I only saw one of these.

27 October 2011

Our Lady ofLaghetis the nameof the Virgin Maryassociated withthe name of this small village which was first mentioned in a charterof the 11th century.In the 12th century, Laghetwas partof the fiefdomof Eze and mention is madeof a smallchapel. In the 15th century, the chapelserved as asmallshrine for shepherds and peasants but it was modestand had been built in an exposed position and was slowly falling apart.

In 1625an ardent priest, DonJacquesFighiera was so moved by the abandonment and decayof the chapel ofLaghet, he decided todevote himself to rebuilding it. By 1628 it had a new roof,he leveled the land, he whitewashed the walls,and hung adoor witha lock, He also repaired thepaththat leads toLaghet fromEze and all athis expense'in honorof Godand the VirginMary.'Thenhe announcedto the publicthat thechapelof Laghethad been restored andhe took the service, in a voluntary capacity, for the next 25 years.

26 October 2011

Most of the drawings and paintings are simple but somehow so touching. Many, as you see, show accidents where the beloved husband or wife or child was saved and thanks are being given to Our Lady of Laghet.

16 October 2011

And so to coffee. And petits fours. And macarons. And chocolates. The tiny silver object in the background is a bird - see last photo.

The blue dessert china was designed for Alain Ducasse by the Belgian ceramist, Pieter Stockman who also designed china for the recent wedding of Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock - another Alain Ducasse triumph. Alain Ducasse, by the way, was made a citizen of Monaco by Prince Albert in 2008 - a rare honour unless you happen to be one already.

And so it's over. A fabulous lunch and for anyone interested this is a fixed-price menu at 140 euros which includes absolutely everything - wines, coffee and the whole amazing theatrical spectacle of it all, not to mention the to-die-for food. Of course it's not cheap and if you think of starving children in Africa, there is no justification but if you can get beyond that and treat yourself for a special occasion, it's truly excellent value. A three-star Michelin lunch in this beautiful dining room in Monte Carlo will be something you'll never forget.

15 October 2011

A beautiful covered trolley arrived with more cheeses than I could count. We each chose three. One of mine was a Roquefort and Lynda chose a different blue cheese. Of course we had to compare and I loved her choice. The attentive and friendly (and handsome!) Maitre 'D wrote down its name - a Fourme l'Ambert which is from the Auvergne region of France. It's far milder than a Roquefort and creamier too.

With it we chose a different bread from the trolley - a wholemeal fig and walnut. Perfect!

On to dessert. In the main photo: Compotée de pommes reinettes, glace à la vanille et pommes sauvages râpées crues.